Hi, I'm Lisa. I'm 44 and have been playing violin since third grade. I think I was 9 then? That being said, there are several years in between that I didn't pick up my violin. I took lessons in/through elementary and jr high school, but by the time I was in high school my parents wouldn't allow me (didn't want to pay for) lessons. I played sometimes, but it only annoyed other people in the house, so it wasn't usually a pleasant time. I was often frustrated because I wanted to play well, but never seemed to be able to. It took me a number of years to realize that I never actually learned how to read music and what I was doing was playing by ear. When I was in my 20's, I needed some extra cash and decided to try giving lessons to kids. That's when I realized that I really didn't know music. lol. I started teaching myself, but it was before the age of the internet. Since I'm mostly a visual learner, I could have really benefited from the internet to learn. 🙂 So, what I do know is very basic. I love to play, but I have always wished I could learn from someone who could play well and I could watch. I've only ever played in first position (except on the E string's higher notes) and I have been trying to figure out how to know when to play in the other positions. That's how I found Fiddlerman just today. I have watched about half of the videos already, but since it's one in the morning now, I'll have to save the rest for later. Needless to say, I'm really excited to find you all!

A couple of years ago, a few people at my church asked me to teach them how to play. I told them I could only get them started, but my class grew and I now have six kids and four adults in my classes. I'm still not sure how that happened. Then, at the end of this summer, I was asked to join the churches orchestra for the Christmas music. Mind you that it's now only an "orchestra" because I joined. Yes, I'm the only string. And, evidently, they were expecting someone who could play like the Fiddlerman and not how poorly I play. However, I have been playing and practicing like crazy and I'm determined to do a good job. Which is what brought me to searching google today looking for videos on how to play properly and not how I learned with all my errors still firmly in tack.

Anyway, I'm a Stay-at-home-Mom of three kids who are now 18, 15, and 11. I've been Homeschooling them for the last 12 years... mostly because my husband is active duty in the Air Force and our schooling has been only the one 'constant' in their lives. We have moved into 19 different homes in the first 18 years of our marriage. He's been in the AF for 17 years. My husband and I are happily married for the last 22 years... well, okay, there was a year or two in there that we weren't all that happy with each other but we're over it.

So, I'm hoping to learn a lot from you all and most especially to quickly learn something to help me before Christmas . I'm looking forward to "meeting" you in the forum here.

RP

Illinois

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November 8, 2011 - 4:10 am

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Welcome to the forum and the site LisaLoo!

There are lots of videos and tons of sheet music here as I am sure you have already seen. 😀

Don't forget to check out FiddlerMan's learning tools section. He made games you and the people in your class might enjoy to help work on the particular topics in a fun way.

If you need help on something specific you can always post a video and Fiddlerman and other members will try to help you work through a song, problem, habit, etc. (or ask here in the forum.)

Best wishes with your new endeavor with the orchestra. I know you will do well with your determination!

On "Cheap eBay violins" … Just tell people they are like a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. With a little love, and some practice, they too can be made beautiful.

Fiddlerman

Fort Lauderdale

November 8, 2011 - 8:50 am

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Hey LisaLoo, and welcome to Fiddlerman.com.

I really enjoyed your introduction.

If you feel like it, we have a YouTube Christmas project that you can participate in and any of your students as well. The more people we get into this the more fun it will be.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

HeadCheese

Plano, Texas

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November 8, 2011 - 1:15 pm

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I got quite a laugh (in the best possible way, of course) from your introduction. You sure know your emoticons!

The "late learner" and "return learner" is a fairly common theme in here, so you'll be in good company with the rest of us.

Welcome!

myguitarnow

Laguna Beach

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November 8, 2011 - 1:42 pm

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Welcome LisaLoo! I can relate to U2. My fathers side of the family was military all the way (now most of my cousins play music on his side of the family though). My mothers side of the family was music and arts all the way. My dad always told me that music would get me no where...My mom always told me to stick to the arts and told me I was talented. Keep your fiddle out and play! FM is one of the best fiddlers that I have ever heard. Stick around.

Awesome story Lisa, we are all glad you joined. and I know you will be to. Good group of posters here, lots of interesting stuff .

Not to mention FMs line up of helpful videos.

No matter where you go, there you are!

Kevin M.

Nicholson, Pa

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November 8, 2011 - 11:01 pm

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Welcome,

Don't forget we can also learn from you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or give advice. The only dumb question is the one not asked. Ther are a lot of people your age, younger and older. People just starting at an old age and young and people getting back into it.

I'm feeling good today. I thought I was 58 but found out I was only 57 today.

LisaLoo

San Antonio, Texas

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November 8, 2011 - 11:04 pm

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Thanks for all the welcomes!

@HeadCheese - Thanks! I entertain myself with the silly little emoticons. I think they were made just for me because they totally show my personality.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you and learning from you!